Edible films for administration of medicaments to animals, methods for their manufacture and methods for their use for the treatment of animals

ABSTRACT

A medicament composition for the administration to pets is provided. The composition generally includes a film, a medicament and a flavoring composition that renders the film palatable to a pet.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/497,186 filed on Aug. 22, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, including all drawings, figures and examples.

The administration of medicaments to animals and pets, particularly via the oral route, can be marred in difficulties. Animals and pets generally dislike swallowing pills and liquids containing medication, vitamins, amino acids and other compositions necessary for their health and well being. Forcing an animal or pet to take medication can be a painful experience to the pet, and, many times, to the person doing the administering. Accordingly, the present invention provides, inter alia, for compositions and methods that facilitate administration of medication to pets and other animals thus providing for more effective, and more humane, veterinary treatment of pets and other animals.

This invention pertains to edible compositions.

More particularly, the invention pertains to a film in which a medicant is applied as a powder.

In another respect, the invention pertains to a method for making a film that facilitates the incorporation with the film of a gel.

In a further respect, the invention pertains to a method for making a film including a medicant that minimizes the exposure of the medicant in the film to moisture, heat, and shear during the manufacturing process.

In still another respect, the invention pertains to a method for making a film that facilitates stabilizing a medicant in the film.

In yet another respect, the invention pertains to a method for applying a medicant to living cells in the body of an individual.

In yet still another respect, the invention pertains to a method for curing a film.

A wide variety of edible compositions exist in nature, are grown, or are manufactured. One particular kind of manufactured edible compositions comprises lozenges, films, and other compositions that are intended to be placed in and to dissolve or otherwise disassociate in the mouth.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,517,173 to Kizawa et al. (1985) discloses a film that adheres to mucous membrane. The film includes at least three layers. The layers are a pharmaceutical layer, a poor water-soluble layer, and an intermediate layer. The pharmaceutical layer is a material selected from the group consisting of predonisolone and allantoin together with water-soluble cellulose derivatives. The cellulose derivatives are selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose and mixtures thereof. The predonisolone, allantoin, and/or celluose derivatives form a thin film base. The poor water-soluble layer consists of water-soluble cellulose derivative together with water-soluble components. The water-soluble components are selected from the group consisting of shellac, higher fatty acids, and mixtures thereof. The intermediate layer consists of water-soluble cellulose derivatives not containing a pharmaceutical agent and not containing poor water soluble components.

Another embodiment of the film described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,517,173 includes one layer of pharmaceutical agents and water-soluble high polymer material. The other layer of the film consist of poor water-soluble agents. A first solvent solution for forming the pharmaceutical agent and water-soluble high polymer material first layer is prepared. A second solvent solution for forming the poor water-soluble agents second layer is prepared separately. The first solution is coated on a base plate having a favorable releasing nature. The solvent is removed from the solution to produce a first film layer on the base plate. The second solution is then coated on the first layer. The solvent is removed from the second solution. The solvent is removed from the second solution to form the second film layer.

By way of example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,517,173 a solution for the film base agent for preparing the pharmaceutical layer is prepared by dissolving hydropropyl cellulose and macrogol-400 (polyethylene glycol) in ethyl alcohol and distilled water. The distilled water contains dissolved predonisolone. A solution for preparing the poor water-soluble layer is prepared by dissolving hydroxypropyl cellulose, magrogol, and shellac in ethyl alcohol. The solution for the first base agent for the intermediate layer is prepared by dissolving hydroxypropyl cellulose and magrogol in ethyl alcohol.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,948,430 to Zerbe et al. (1999) discloses a monolayer film formed from a mucoadhesive composition. The mucoadhesive composition comprises at least one water-soluble polymer, at least one member selected from the group consisting of a polyalcohol, a surfactant and a plasticizer; at least one cosmetic or pharmaceutically active ingredient; and a flavoring agent. The film rapidly softens and completely disintegrates in the oral environment and has a dry film thickness suitable for application in the mouth without causing adverse feeling in the mouth. During preparation of the film, the polyalcohol, surfactants, plasticizers, and possible other ingredients except the water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer(s) are dissolved in a sufficient amount of compatible solvent. The solvent can, for example, include water and/or alcohol. Once a clear solution is formed, the water-dispersible polymer or mixture of water dispersible polymers is slowly added with stirring, and heated if necessary, until a clear and homogeneous solution is formed. Active ingredients and flavors are added. The resulting solution is coated onto a suitable carrier material and dried to produce a film. The carrier material has a surface tension that allows the polymer solution to spread evenly across the intended coating width without soaking in to form a bond between the two. The carrier material can, for example, comprise non-siloconized polyethylene terephthalate film, on-siliconized kraft paper, polyethylene-impregnated kraft paper, or non-siliconized polyethylene film. The thickness of the film can vary between 5 and 200 um. Drying of the film is done in a high-temperature air-bath using a drying oven, drying tunnel, vacuum drier, or any other suitable drying equipment that does not adversely affect the active ingredient(s) or flavor of the film. A film thickness greater than 70 um is avoided so that an adverse feeling is not produced in the mouth.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,166,233 to Kuroya et al. (1992) describes a film that is applicable to the oral mucosa. The film comprises a homogeneous mixture. The homogenous mixture comprises a vinyl acetate homopolymer, an acrylic acid polymer, and a cellulose derivative capable of being dissolved in or swollen with water and a lower alcohol. The film also contains a salt or base to neutralize the acrylic acid polymer. The salt or base is present in an amount of from 0.03 to 0.2 equivalent to the acrylic acid polymer. The acrylic acid polymer and cellulose derivative are present at a weight ratio of from 1:9 to 9:1. The lower alcohol is methanol or ethanol. By the way of example, one procedure for preparing a film comprises mixing a vinyl acetate homopolymer, a carboxyvinyl polymer, and a hydroxypropyl cellulose to a 1:9 water/methanol solvent mixture to produce a film-forming composition. The film-forming composition is applied to a silicone-release paper, dried, and stripped off to obtain a 30 μm thick adhesive film.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,047,244 to Sanvordeker, et al. (1991) describes a mucoadhesive carrier. The carrier allows controlled release of a therapeutic agent via mucosal tissue. The carrier is claimed as a “therapeutic dosage”. For example, in one claim the “therapeutic dosage” comprises an anhydrous but hydratable monolithic polymer matrix containing amorphous fumed silica and a therapeutic agent. The polymer matrix defines a mucoadhesive face. A water-insoluble barrier layer is secured to the polymer matrix. The barrier layer defines a non-adhesive face. The therapeutic agent is dehydroepiandrosterone. The polymer is polyethylene glycol. The polyethylene glycol has a number average molecular weight of about 4,000. The weight ratio of dehydroepiandrosterone to polyethylene glycol is about 1:4. By way of example, the polymer matrix and barrier film are prepared separately.

The polymer matrix is prepared by dissolving the therapeutic agent in polyethylene glycol. The polyethylene glycol is melted at 160 degrees F. The powder therapeutic agent is slowly added to the molten polyethyloene glycol and the glycol is stirred until the therapeutic agent is completely dissolved. The resulting composition is poured onto flat aluminum foil and allowed to solidify to form a mucosal composition. The mucosal composition is finely ground to a powder of about 60 to 80 mesh and blended with other matrix forming hydrophilic and hydrophobic excipients. Such excipients can comprise glyceryl behenate, polyvinyl alcohol, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, hydroxypropyl cellulose and silica. Additional polyethylene glycol can be added. A granulation process utilizing an organic solvent or water can be used to prepare, dry, and obtain granules having a size in the range of 40 to 200 mesh.

The barrier film is prepared using constituents from the polymer matrix, except the barrier film does not include a therapeutic agent.

The components of the polymer matrix and barrier film are compressed together to obtain a bi-laminate mucoadhesive carrier.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,092 to Mizobuchi, et al. describes a sheet-shaped adhesive pharmaceutical preparation. The preparation can adhere to the oral cavity. The preparation comprises an adhesive layer and a carrier layer. The adhesive layer includes a carboxyvinyl polymer, a water-soluble methacrylic copolymer, a polyhydric alcohol, and a pharmaceutically active agent. The carrier layer is water-impermeable and water-insoluble. The carrier layer includes a pharmaceutically acceptable water-insoluble, film-forming high molecular weight compound and includes a plasticizer. The ingredients of the adhesive layer are substantially released from one side of the sheet-shaped pharmaceutical preparation. The ingredients are absorbed through the mucous membrane or teethridge to which the preparation is adhered in the oral cavity. By way of example, the adhesive layer is prepared by producing an adhesive layer mixture. The adhesive layer mixture is prepared by mixing the components for the adhesive layer in an appropriate solvent like ethyl alcohol. The resulting mixture is spread onto a release paper in a desired thickness in a conventional manner and is dried to produce a sheet-like adhesive layer. The components for the carrier layer are dissolved in an appropriate solvent to produce a carrier layer mixture. The resulting carrier layer mixture is spread onto the sheet-like adhesive layer and dried.

U.S. Patent Application US 2002/0131990 to Barkalow et al. (2002) discloses a pullulan free edible film composition. The film comprises an effective amount of at least one film forming agent; an effective amount of at least one bulk filler agent; and, an effective amount of at least one plasticizing agent. By way of example, the film is produced by adding LustreClear (a composition by FMC Corporation for use as a clear coating for pharmaceutical tablets) to water to produce a coating mixture. LustreClear contains microcrystalline cellulose, carrageenan, polyethylene glycol, hydroxyethyl cellulose and maltodextrin. The coating mixture is heated to 50 degrees C. and other ingredients are added. While the mixture is warm, the mixture is poured onto a glass plate and drawn down to form a thin film with a 0.08 inch blade. The resulting film composition is dried at 50 degrees C. for about fifteen minutes.

U.S. Patent Application US 2001/0022964 to Leung et al. (2001) discloses a consumable film. The film is adapted to adhere to and dissolve in a mouth of a consumer. The film comprises at least one water soluble polymer and an antimicrobial effective amount of at least one essential oil selected from the group consisting of thymol, methyl salicylate, eucalyptol and menthol. By way of example, a film is prepared as follows. Xanthan gum, locust bean gum, carrageenan and pullulan are mixed and hydrated in hot purified water to form a gel. The gel is stored in a refrigerator overnight at a temperature of approximately four degrees C. to form preparation A. Coloring agents, copper gluconate, and sweetener are added to and dissolved in purified water to form preparation B. Preparation B is mixed with preparation A to form preparation C. Flavoring agents and oils (including cooling agent, thymol, methyl salicylate, eucalyptol and menthol) are mixed to form preparation D. Polysorbate 80 and Atmos 300 are added to preparation D and mixed to form preparation E. Preparation E is added to preparation C and mixed to form preparation F. Preparation F is poured on a mold and cast to form a film of desired thickness at room temperature. The film is dried under warm air.

The prior art edible films and production processes each have desirable aspects. They also have disadvantages. One disadvantage is that the prior art processes may expose medicants or actives or other compositions to water or another liquid during production of the edible films. Many medicants or other compositions are unstable in the presence of water or other liquids. A second disadvantage of prior art processes is that the production process may subject a medicant or other composition to shear. Shear can damage the medicant. Shear occurs when a mixing blade or other member forces a medicant particle intermediate the blade and another solid member, generating friction and heat. A third disadvantage of prior art processes is that they may require the application of heat at temperatures or over extended periods of time that can degrade or undesirably alter the stability or properties of a medicant or other composition. A fourth potential disadvantage of prior art processes is that they may not permit, with minimal effort, the dissolution rate of a medicant or other composition to be varied. A fifth potential disadvantage of prior art processes is that they may make use of a hydrophilic component at higher concentrations impractical because during production the hydrophilic component rapidly absorbs water and become difficult to process. A sixth potential disadvantage of prior art processes is that the edible films produced are primarily suitable only for use in the oral cavity and not for use on living cells. A seventh potential disadvantage of prior art processes is that heat alone can not, practically speaking, be used to form a smooth coating on an edible film. An eighth potential disadvantage of prior art processes is that they require the use of a solvent to produce a layer including a medicant or other desired composition. A ninth potential disadvantage of the prior art processes is that they require the compatibility of a medicant with other components in a solvent solution to be taken into account.

Accordingly, it would be highly desirable to provide an improved edible film and process for making the same that would minimize the risk that a medicant or other composition is degraded or otherwise damaged by heat, shear, or moisture; that would permit the dissolution rate of a medicant to be readily varied, that would permit the ready use of a hydrophilic composition, that could be utilized on live cells, that would facilitate the use of heat to form a coating on an edible film, and that would not require the use of a solvent to mix compositions to form a medicant-containing layer.

The present invention includes an improved film and method for making the same. The film can be used on living cells. Formation of the medicant-containing layer in the film does not require a solvent and minimizes the likelihood of damage from heat and shear. The rate of dissolution or delivery of the medicant by the film can be readily adjusted. The medicant-containing layer, while minimizing the likelihood of heat induced medicant damage, permits heat to be utilized to form a coating on the edible film. Hydrophilic components can be readily incorporated in larger concentrations during production of the medicant-containing layer.

The present invention includes an improved composition for delivering a medicant in the oral cavity. The composition includes an applied coating and a film layer.

The film layer is made from any polymer, softener, filler, matrix, or other composition. The film has an acceptable dissolution rate in the oral cavity for a particular thickness of film. For example, if the film has a thickness of 50 microns, it may be desirable for the film to dissolve in the oral cavity within about fifteen seconds. Or it may be desirable for the film to dissolve more slowly. By way of example, and not limitation, the film can be made with pullulan, modified starch, pectin, carageenan, a maltrodextrin, or alginate.

The applied coating is a powder matrix including one or more medicants. The medicant can be contained in a powder carrier, or can itself be a powder. One advantage of the powder matrix is that it ordinarily does not require the use of a solvent. Another advantage of the powder matrix is that it ordinarily can, if desired, include in addition to the medicant a variety of different auxiliary compositions. A further advantage of the powder matrix is that it can be admixed in a fluidized bed that minimizes the generation of shear and heat. In a fluidized bed dry air or another gas is dispersed upwardly through a plurality of openings to suspend and intermix particulate. Any desired means can be used to admix powders. Another advantage of mixing or suspending powder in a fluidized bed is that the dry air suspending the powder particles tends to prevent agglomeration of the particles. The admixed powder matrix can also be stored (i.e., suspended) in the fluidized bed, prior to the application of the admixed powder matrix to the film layer. The powder matrix can be applied in any desired manner, including sifting, screening, atomization, static, mechanical agitation, etc. For example, the powder matrix can be atomized through a Nordson or similar static spray gun using compressed air. One such gun creates a fine mist spray of powder particles. The gun statically electrically charges the powder particles so they adhere to a surface of the film layer that is receiving the powder particles. Another process for applying the powder particles is to admix the particles with a liquid carrier to form a particle-liquid solution. The particle-liquid solution is sprayed on the film layer. The liquid carrier evaporates, leaving the powder particles on the film. The liquid carrier preferably does not cause the powder particles to dissolve in the liquid carrier.

One auxiliary composition that can be included in the powder matrix with the medicant is a composition that dissolves slowly over a selected period of time. Such an auxiliary dissolution control composition can be utilized to slow the release of medicant in the oral cavity. Examples of this kind of auxiliary composition are, without limitation, gel forming compositions like carrageenan, gelatin, alignates, pullulan, PVP, and other hydrophilic materials; cyclodextrin; and, inert materials like calcium and fibers. For example, the fibers can comprise carboxymethylcellulose.

Another auxiliary composition the can be included in the powder matrix with the medicant is an absorption composition that absorbs water or saliva. Such an auxiliary absorption composition can be also be used to slow the release of medicant, and/or, to form a gel. The gel can, if desired, cause the strip to become chewable, similar to a very soft jelly-bean. As used herein, an auxiliary composition is termed a gel if, when it is placed in the oral cavity or in contact with another source of bodily liquid, (1) the auxiliary composition absorbs at least four times it weight of water or of saliva or other aqueous solution in a selected period of time, or (2) the auxiliary composition swells to at least three times its thickness in a selected period of time. The selected period of time can vary but preferably is from five seconds to fifteen minutes, most preferably five seconds to five minutes. Examples of gel auxiliary compositions include, without limitation, carboxymethylcellulose, pectin, modified starches, gelatin, and carrageenan. These compositions can be used alone or in combination. One advantage of a gel is that it tends to slow the dissolution of the medicant and to maintain the medicant in the oral cavity for a longer period of time.

A further auxiliary composition that can be included in the powder matrix is a composition that, when placed in the oral cavity in contact with the mucosa therein, adheres to the mucosa. The concentration of such auxiliary adhesion compositions in the powder matrix can be adjusted to vary the length of time that the film adheres to the mucosa or to vary the adhesive forces generated between the film and mucosa. The auxiliary adhesion compositions adhere to the oral mucosa or to mucosa or tissue in other parts of the body, including the mouth, nose, eyes, vagina, and rectum. Examples of auxiliary adhesion compositions include carboxymethycellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone (povidone), sodiumalginate, methyl cellulose, hydroxyl propyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, polyethylene glycols, carbopol, polycarbophil, carboxyvinyl copolymers, propylene glycol alginate, alginic acid, methyl methacrylate copolymers, tragacanth gum, guar gum, karaya gum, ethylene vinyl cetate, dimenthylpolysiloxanes, polyoxyalkylene block copolymers, and hydroxyethylmethacrylate copolymers. All examples of composition provided herein are given without limiting the use or inclusion of other comparable or functionally equivalent compositions even though such comparable or functionally equivalent compositions are not listed.

Still another auxiliary composition that can be included in the powder matrix is a flow composition that, when subjected to a curing process, flows to form a smoother or shinier coating on the exterior of the film layer. One preferred curing process is heating the film layer with powder coating to a selected temperature above 76 degrees F. to cause the auxiliary flow composition to soften and flow. Examples of this kind of auxiliary composition are lipids (including various animal and vegetable fats) waxes, particularly low melting point waxes, and polyols, particularly low melting point polyols that can be admixed in powder form or than can included be in powder particles containing a medicant or other compositions. The medicant itself, may also have the property of flowing at an elevated temperature in excess of 76 degrees F. to form a smoother or shinier coating.

Other auxiliary compositions that can be included in the powder matrix include, without limitation, bulking agents, fillers, pigments (coloring), flavorings, and sweeteners.

Combinations of auxiliary compositions can be included in the powder matrix to achieve a desired function. For example, if it is desired to slow the dissolution of a medicant, less soluble fillers and fibers can be included in the powder matrix along with a high concentration of polymers that have a very high degree of ability to adhere to the oral mucosa lining the mouth.

The powder matrix is normally administered to the film layer to form the applied coating after the film layer has been manufactured.

The dry powder matrix will normally contain a minor amount of retained or bound water or other liquid, typically less than about ten percent by weight. The level of moisture in the powder matrix normally should not cause the powder particles to stick or adhere to one another during intermixing of powders to form the powder matrix and during application of the powder matrix to the film layer.

A medicant is an agent that cures, treats, or prevents a disease or disease symptom or condition in a body or portion of a body. By way of example, and not limitation medicants include anti-inflammatory steroids such as predonisone, predonisolone, predonisolone acetate, hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, dexamethasone, and betamethasone; anti-inflammatory anodynes such as aspirin, aminopyrin, acetoaminophen, ibufenac, ibuprofen, indomethasine, colehicine, sulpyrine, mephenamic acid, phenacetin, phenylbutazone, fulfenamic acid, and probenecid; anti-inflammatory enzymes such as (a)-chymotrysin; anti-histamine agents such as diphenhydramine-hydrocholride, and chlorophenylamine maleate; oral sterilizing agents such as chlorohexydine-hydrochloride, cetylpyridinium-chloride, hexylresorcin and nitro-furazone; antibitoc materials such as penicillin or its dervatives, cephaphalosporin derivative, erythromycine, tetracycline hydrochloride, furadiomycin, and leucomycin; chemically therapeutic agents such as sulfamethyzole and nalidixic; cardiac strengthening agents such as digatalis and digoxin; blood vein dilating agents such as nitroglycerine and papaverine-hydrochloride; local narcotic agents such as lidocain and procain-hydrochloride; cough curing agents such as codeine phosphate and bisorivon; sore throat and mouth treatment agents such as phenol and benzocaine; periodontal disease treatment agents including peptides; digesting organ curing agents such as azulene, phenovalin, pepsin, and vitamin U; enzymes such as lysozyme-chloride or trypsin; anti-diabetic agents such as insulin; blood pressure depressing agents; tranquilizers; stypic agents; sexual hormones; agents for curing virulent carcinoma or ulcers; vitamins; and minerals. The amount of medicant incorporated with the film layer depends on the kind of drug and is usually between 0.001 to 20% by weight, but can be less or more if necessary to achieve the desired effect.

By way of example, and not limitation, the film layer can be produced using a highly water-soluble polymer comprising a natural or synthetic water-soluble polymer. The polymer preferably has good film moldability, produces a soft flexible film, and is safe for human consumption. One such polymer can be a water-soluble cellulose derivative like hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl alkylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose or the salt of carboxymethyl cellulose. Or, the polymer can comprise an acrylic acid copolymer or its sodium, potassium or ammonium salt. The acrylic acid copolymer or its salt can be combined with methacrylic acid, styrene or vinyl type of ether as a comonomer, poly vinyl alcohol, poly vinyl pyrrolidone, polyalkylene blycol, hydroxy propyl starch, alginic acid or its salt, poly-saccharide or its derivatives such as trangacanth, bum gelatin, collagen, denatured gelatin, and collagen treated with succinic acid or anhydrous phthalic acid. By way of example, the following can be included in the powder matrix as adhesives: poorly water-soluble cellulose derivatives including ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate and butyl cellulose; shellac; higher fatty acids including steric acid and palmitic acid. The following can also, without limitation, be used to produce the film layer: pullulan, maltodextrin, pectin, alginates, carrageenan, guar gum, other gelatins, etc.

Bulking agents that can be included in the powder matrix include, by way of example and not limitation, avicel, sugar alchohols including manitol and sorbitol and xylitol and isomalt, lactic sugar, sorbitol dextrin, starch, anhydrous calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, magnesium trisilicate, silica, and amylase.

The size of particulate in the powder matrix can vary as desired, but is preferably in the range of 10 mesh to 400 mesh or finer, preferably 40 mesh to 300 mesh.

The-thickness of the film layer can vary as desired, but typically is in the range of 0.01 mm to 3.00 mm, preferably 0.03 mm to 1.00 mm.

The powder matrix can be applied to one or both sides of the film layer. The film layer includes upper outer surface on the top of the film layer and includes a lower outer surface on the bottom of the film. The upper outer surface is generally parallel to the lower outer surface. The top of the film is generally parallel to the bottom of the film. The thickness of the powder matrix layer can vary as desired, but is preferably in the range of 0.001 mm to 3.00 mm, preferably 0.01 mm to 1.00 mm.

If desired, after the powder matrix layer is applied to the film layer, an additional layer or layers can be applied over the powder matrix layer to seal the powder matrix layer, slow the dissolution of the medicant from the powder matrix layer, etc.

If desired, multiple powder matrix layers can be applied to the film layer. The film layer can comprise a laminate of two or more layers. Methods for producing the film layer and incorporating plasticizers, bulking agents, taste modifying agents, pigments, etc. in the film layer are well known in the art and not described in detail herein. Since the medicant is being applied to the film layer in a dry powder form, the likelihood of adverse interactions between the medicant and compositions comprising the film layer is lessened.

Unless otherwise specified or required by the context, the term edible as used herein is used interchangeably with the term orally consumable, and generally means that the article may be placed in the mouth, oral cavity, on the tongue, or the like, without significant detrimental effect to the recipient.

Unless otherwise specified or required by the context, the term pet as used herein includes any animal, particularly domestic animals like cats, dogs, guinea pigs, mice, hamsters, ferrets, reptiles, and the like, and sheep, cows, horses, goats, rabbits, swine, apes, primates, and other non-human animals for which veterinary applications of the present invention find use.

In certain embodiments the compositions and films of the present invention may contain at least one flavoring and/or odorant composition that renders the composition or film palatable to a pet. Any effective flavor or odor may be used. The flavoring or odor agent or agents are present in any effective amount, including, for example, in an amount ranging from about 0.5 to 40 wt. %, 1 to 30 wt. %, 5 to 15 wt. %, 0.5 to 15 wt. %. Flavorings include, for example, catnip, poultry, chicken, turkey, fish, seafood, salmon, tuna, onion, garlic, meat, animal products, chicken meat, chicken fat, beef hide, beef meat, beef fat, bacon, pork skin, pork meat, pork fat, dried meat floss, liver, an extract of smoked ham, an extract of chicken, an extract of beef, an extract of a meat by-product, an extract of ham hocks, an extract of shank ends, an extract of turkey, an extract of oxtail, phosphoric acid, fat and hexamic acid, fat and phosphoric acid, fat and citric acid, phosphoric acid and citric acid, tetrasodium pyrophosphate and combinations of these and other effective flavorings. The flavorings may be natural or artificial, or combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments the compositions and films of the present invention may contain at least one ingredient or agent that is pharmaceutically active in a pet. Any effective pharmaceutically active ingredient or agent may be used in accordance with the present invention. The pharmaceutically active ingredient or agent may be present in any effective amount, including, for example, in an amount ranging from about 0.5 to 40 wt. %, 1 to 30 wt. %, 5 to 15 wt. %, 0.5 to 15 wt. %. Pharmaceutically active ingredients or agents that may be used in accordance with the present invention include, for example, analgesics, antiallergics, antiarrhythmics, antibiotics, antidiabetics, antiepileptics, antimicrobials, antidiarrheals, antihistamines, antiparasitics, antispasmodics, antitussives, antitussive expectorants, antitumor agents, awakening agents, cardiotonics, central nervous system agents, chemotherapeutics, decongestants, diuretics, expectorants, H2-antagonists, hypnotics, hypotensives, narcotics, neuromuscular blocking agents, steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, proton pump inhibitors, pyschoneurotropic agents, sedatives, sexual hormones, thyroid hormones, vasopressors, amino acids, vitamins and mixtures thereof. The compositions and films of the present invention may comprise a vaccine composition, or the like.

Any effective antibiotics may be used in accordance with the present invention, including, for example, amikacin sulfate, betamethasone, clindamycin hydrochloride, clotrimazole, gentamicin, kanamycin, oxytetracycline, penicillin, tetracycline hydrochloride and mixtures thereof.

Any effective antiparasitics may be used in accordance with the present invention, including, for example, avermectins, including, for example, ivermectin.

Any effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents may be used in accordance with the present invention, including, for example, aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, diflunisal, fenoprofen calcium, naproxen, tolmetin sodium, indomethacin, and mixtures thereof.

Any effective anti-tussive agents may be used in accordance with the present invention, including, for example, benzonatate, caramiphen edisylate, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, chlophedianol hydrochloride and mixtures thereof.

Any effective decongestant agents may be used in accordance with the present invention, including, for example, pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, phenylepherine, phenylpropanolamine and mixtures thereof.

Any effective anti-histamine agents may be used in accordance with the present invention, including, for example, brompheniramine maleate, chlorpheniramine maleate, carbinoxamine maleate, clemastine fumarate, dexchlorpheniramine maleate, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, diphenhydramine citrate, diphenylpyraline hydrochloride, doxylamine succinate, promethazine hydrochloride, pyrilamine maleate, tripelennamine citrate, triprolidine hydrochloride and mixtures thereof.

Any effective expectorant agents may be used in accordance with the present invention, including, for example, guaifenesin, ipecac, potassium iodide, terpin hydrate and mixtures thereof.

Any effective anti-diarrheal agents may be used in accordance with the present invention, including, for example, loperamide.

Any effective H2-antagonist agents may be used in accordance with the present invention, including, for example, famotidine, ranitidine and mixtures thereof.

Any effective proton pump inhibitor agents may be used in accordance with the present invention, including, for example, omeprazole, lansoprazole, and mixtures thereof.

Other pharmaceutical agents that may be included in accordance with the present invention include, for example, enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, danofloxacin mesylate, kitasamycin tartrate, roxithromycin, diclazuril, ractopamine hcl, pefloxacin mesylate and sarafloxacin hcl.

Other pharmaceutical agents that may be included in accordance with the present invention include, for example, Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA), Vitamins A, D & E; taurine; Acepromazine maleate; Atropine sulfate; Praziquantel; Zinc Chlorhexidate; Clindamycin Hydrochloride; Triamcinolone acetonide; Methylprednisolone and Prednisolone.

Unless otherwise specified or required by the context, the edible pet films of the present invention may be manufactured in any effective manner. U.S. Patent Application Nos. 20010022964, 20020131990 and 20020019447 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,419,903, 3,931,146, 5,411,945, 6,010,716, 5,629,003, 5,948,430, 6,177,096, 6,284,264, 5,700,478, 6,449,925, 4,072,551, 4,083,741, all of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein, describe methods for making edible films. These, and other methods known in the art, or described herein, may be used in accordance with the present invention.

The following examples are provided by way of illustration, and not limitation, of the invention.

EXAMPLE I

3.4 g of hydropropyl cellulose and 0.4 ml of macrogol-400 (polyethylene glycol) are dissolved in 60 g of ethyl alcohol to produce a cellulose-alcohol solution. Nine milliliters of distilled water containing 90 mg of dissolved predonisolone is added to the cellulose-alcohol solution to produce a film forming composition. The film forming composition is poured into a film molding frame placed on a teflon plate. The area of teflon plate circumscribed by the frame is 9.5 square centimeters. The film forming composition is dried to form a film layer. The film layer includes an upper outer surface on top of the film layer and includes a lower outer surface on the bottom of the film layer. The lower outer surface is generally parallel to the upper outer surface. The film layer has a thickness of 40 microns. As noted, any desired prior art process and/or materials can be utilized to produce the film layer.

Benzocaine powder (as a medicant) is combined with carboxymethylcellulose powder (as an adhesive), modified food starch (as a bulking agent), carrageenan (as adhesive), sucralose (intense sweetener), talc (as flow/partitioning agent), and menthol (as a medicant) in a fluidized bed container to form a powder matrix. The resulting powder matrix includes 3.76% by weight of benzocaine powder, 2.6% by weight percent of carboxymethylcellulose powder, 85.43% by weight of modified food starch, 3.76% by weight menthol, 2% by weight carrageenan, 0.45% by weight sucralose, and 2.0% by weight magnesium trisilicate (talc). The powder matrix is drawn from the fluidized bed container and is applied to the upper exposed surface of the film layer to a substantially uniform thickness of 60 microns. The powder matrix is atomized through a Nordson or similar static spray gun using compressed air. See, for example Nordson Corporation's KINETIC (TM) spray systems (www.nordson.com). The gun creates a fine mist spray of powder particles. The gun statically electrically charges the powder particles so they adhere to the upper surface of the film layer. If desired the powder matrix can also be applied to the lower or bottom surface of the film layer. The powder matrix layer and film layer together comprise a medicant composition. The medicant composition can be applied to mucous membrane at various areas of the body.

EXAMPLE II

A film layer is prepared as follows. Xanthan gum (1.5% by weight), locust bean gum (1.5% by weight), carrageenan (1% by weight) and pullulan (9.5% by weight) are mixed and hydrated in hot purified water (86.5% by weight) to form a gel. The gel is stored in a refrigerator overnight at a temperature of approximately four degrees C. to form a film layer. The film layer has a thickness of 55 microns.

Coral calcium powder (as a medicant) is combined with carboxymethylcellulose powder (as an adhesive), modified food starch (as a bulking agent), carrageenan (as adhesive), sucralose (intense sweetener), talc (as flow/partitioning agent), menthol (as a medicant), and a lipid in a fluidized -bed container to produce a powder matrix. The lipid is BENEFAT™. BENEFAT is used by DANISCO to designate salatrim, which is the abbreviation for long and short chain triglyceride molecules. The resulting powder matrix includes 3.76% by weight of coral calcium powder, 2.6% by weight percent of carboxymethylcellulose powder, 73.43% by weight of modified food starch, 3.76% by weight menthol, 2% by weight carrageenan, 0.45% by weight sucralose, 2.0% by weight magnesium trisilicate, and 12% by weight of the lipid. The lipid preferably is in powder form. If the lipid initially is in liquid form, it can be plated on a particulate absorbent to produce a flowable powder. The particulate absorbent could, for example, be talc.

The powder matrix is drawn from the fluidized bed container and is applied to the upper exposed surface of the film layer to a uniform thickness of 150 microns. The powder matrix is atomized through a Nordson or similar static spray gun using compressed air. The powder matrix layer and film layer together comprise a medicant composition.

Ideally, the melting point of the lipid is close to temperature at which the film layer is dried. For example, the film layer (along with the powder matrix layer applied to the film layer) is typically dried at about 200 degrees F. The lipid preferably has a softening point or melting temperature of about 200 degrees F. so that the temperature at which the film layer is dried is the ideal softening point for the lipid. If the melting temperature of the lipid is too low in comparison to the temperature at which the film layer is dried, the lipid can melt and run off the film.

The medicant composition is cured using any desired heat treatment process. The presently preferred process comprises a first step during which the medicant composition is heated by a microwave or infrared transmitter. The time spent by the medicant composition under the transmitter varies depending on the amount of moisture to be removed, but typically is fifteen to twenty seconds. The microwave/infrared bombardment facilitates proper heating of the film layer by generating heat in the film layer. During the second step of the heat treatment process the medicant composition is heated to 200 degrees F. in a convection oven for a desired length of time to dry the medicant composition. The length of time the medicant composition is in the convection oven can vary but is typically presently about three to four minutes. During-the foregoing heat treatment process, the lipid powder particles soften and flow to produce a smoother powder matrix layer on the film layer. The smoother powder matrix layer also improves the feel to an individual of the medicant composition in the mouth because the medicant composition is not as dry on the tongue.

EXAMPLE III

3.4 g of hydropropyl cellulose and 0.4 ml of macrogol-400 (polyethylene glycol) are dissolved in 60 g of ethyl alcohol to produce a cellulose-alcohol solution. Nine milliliters of distilled water containing 90 mg of dissolved predonisolone is added to the cellulose-alcohol solution to produce a film forming composition. The film forming composition is poured into a film molding frame placed on a teflon plate. The area of teflon plate circumscribed by the frame is 9.5 square centimeters. The film forming composition is dried to form a film layer. The film layer has a thickness of 30 microns.

Penicillin or another antibiotic (as a medicant) suitable for treating conjunctivitis is combined with carboxymethylcellulose powder (as an adhesive) in a fluidized bed container. The resulting powder matrix includes 5.00% by weight of the antibiotic powder, and 95% by weight of carboxymethylcellulose powder. The powder matrix is drawn from the fluidized bed container and is applied to the upper exposed surface of the film layer to a substantially uniform thickness of 5.0 microns. The powder matrix is applied with a Nordson or similar static spray gun. If desired, the powder matrix can also be applied to the lower or bottom surface of the film layer. The powder matrix layer and film layer comprise a medicant. A circular piece three-eighths inch in diameter is cut from the medicant composition. The circular piece is 35 microns thick and includes a portion of the film layer and a portion of the powder matrix layer. The circular piece is placed in an individual's eye with the powder matrix layer contacting the tear layer of the eye. The amount of adhesive in the powder matrix layer is gauged so that the powder matrix layer does not absorb moisture too rapidly from the tear layer of the individual's eye.

EXAMPLE IV

A contact lens is coated with a medicant. The medicant is released into an individual's eye when the contact lens is inserted in the eye.

EXAMPLE V

A contact lens is impregnated with a medicant. The medicant is gradually released into an individual's eye when the contact lens is inserted in the eye.

EXAMPLE VI

3.4 g of hydropropyl cellulose and 0.4 ml of macrogol-400 (polyethylene glycol) are dissolved in 60 g of ethyl alcohol to produce a cellulose-alcohol solution. Nine milliliters of distilled water containing 90 mg of dissolved predonisolone is added to the cellulose-alcohol solution to produce a film forming composition. The film forming composition is poured into a film molding frame placed on a teflon plate. The area of teflon plate circumscribed by the frame is 9.5 square centimeters. The film forming composition is dried to form a film layer. The film layer has a thickness of 50 microns.

Coral calcium powder (as a medicant) is combined with carboxymethylcellulose powder (as a fiber adhesive), modified food starch (as a soluble bulking agent), carrageenan (as adhesive), pullulan (as a polymer), calcium carbonate (as a non-soluble filler/bulking agent), sucralose (intense sweetener), talc (as flow/partitioning agent), and menthol (as a medicant) in a fluidized bed container. The resulting powder matrix includes 3.76% by weight of benzocaine powder, 5.2% by weight percent of carboxymethylcellusoe powder, 38.33% by weight of modified food starch, 5.0% by weight pullulan, 3.76% by weight menthol, 4% by weight carrageenan, 2.5% by weight talc, 0.45% by weight sucralose, 35% by weight calcium carbonate, and 2.0% by weight magnesium trisilicate.

The filler, fiber, and polymer components of the powder matrix are used to slow the dissolution of the medicant when the resulting medicant composition is placed in the oral mucosa of an individual.

The powder matrix is drawn from the fluidized bed container and is applied to the upper exposed surface of the film layer to a substantially uniform thickness of 80 microns. The powder matrix is atomized through a Nordson or similar static spray gun using compressed air. The powder matrix layer and film layer together comprise a medicant composition.

EXAMPLE VII

8 g carboxyvinyl copolymer and 100 g polyethylene glycol (molecular weight approximately 1,500 g/mol) are kneaded for about two hours until homogeneous in a heatable double-Z-kneader at 80° C. 70 g of a sugar, e.g., lactose, are added and kneaded into the basic mass within 30 minutes. The temperature is reduced to 50° C. 16 g acepromazine are added; the preparation is kneaded for another 30-minutes. The hot mixture is filled into a plunger-type extruder (with an available volume of approximately 150 ml) which has been pre-heated to 500° C. Extrusion is started immediately and at a conveyance speed of approximately 10 g/min through a 10×1 mm sheet die; the extrudate is cooled until solidified on a cold, clean working surface. The resulting extrudate is divided into sections of 15 mm by means of a knife. An orally administrable film of acepromazine with approximately 7 mg of active substance and a weight of approximately 120 mg results which disintegrates in the mouth.

EXAMPLE VIII

A large aggressive dog in need of dental cleaning presents to the veterinary. The dog is orally administered the film of acepromazine of Example VII 15-45 min. prior to initiating the dental cleaning procedure.

EXAMPLE IX

15 g of sorbitol, 6 g of glycerol, 0.5 g of polysorbate 80 (Tween 80), 2 g of Brij 35, 45 g of chicken extract, and 3 g of citric acid are stirred at 60° C. in a mixture of 250 g water and 250 g ethanol until a clear solution has been formed. 30 g of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose is added slowly to the solution under stirring until a clear and homogeneous solution has been formed. The resulting solution is allowed to cool to room temperature and coated onto a suitable carrier material, for example non-siliconized, polyethylene-coated kraft paper using conventional coating/drying equipment. Coating gap and web speed are adjusted to achieve the desired dry film thickness. Generally, a dry film thickness between 10 and 100 μm is preferred. The drying temperature is adjusted according to the length of the drying oven and the web speed. Generally, the temperature is adjusted such that the solvents are removed completely, or almost completely, from the film. The resulting film is peeled off the carrier web and cut into pieces of a shape and size suitable for the intended use.

EXAMPLE X

166 g Kollidon 30 is dissolved in a solution of 720 ml water and 2660 ml ethanol at ambient temperature with stirring. 221 g hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose is then added at 55-60° C. and stirred vigorously until the solution is clear and homogeneous. The mixture is then allowed to cool. 100 g bacon flavor and 35 g methylprednisolone in 120 ml water are added with stirring to the cooled mixture. The solution is coated and dried and the dry film is cut into pieces of a shape and size suitable for the intended use so as to deliver a methylprednisolone dose between 1-3 mg per piece.

EXAMPLE XI

A dog having a dermal condition, such as non-specific eczema or summer dermatitis, or a chronic condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, is orally administered the dry methylprednisolone film of Example X twice a day, so as to deliver an initial suppressive dose level. The administration is continued until a satisfactory clinical response is obtained, which generally entails a period of 2 to 7 days. As soon as a satisfactory clinical response is obtained, the daily dose is reduced gradually, either to termination of treatment in the case of acute conditions (e.g., seasonal asthma, dermatitis, acute ocular inflammations) or to the minimal effective maintenance dose level in the case of chronic conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).

EXAMPLE XII

A film layer having a thickness of 55 microns is prepared as in Example II. Chlorhexidine (as a medicant) is combined with carboxymethylcellulose powder (as an adhesive), modified food starch (as a bulking agent), carrageenan (as adhesive), sucralose (intense sweetener), talc (as flow/partitioning agent), catnip (as a flavorant), and a lipid in a fluidized-bed container to produce a powder matrix. The lipid is BENEFAT™. BENEFAT is used by DANISCO to designate salatrim, which is the abbreviation for long and short chain triglyceride molecules. The resulting powder matrix includes 3.76% by weight of chlorhexidine, 2.6% by weight percent of carboxymethylcellulose powder, 73.43% by weight of modified food starch, 3.76% by weight catnip, 2% by weight carrageenan, 0.45% by weight sucralose, 2.0% by weight magnesium trisilicate, and 12% by weight of the lipid. The lipid preferably is in powder form. If the lipid initially is in liquid form, it can be plated on a particulate absorbent to produce a flowable powder. The particulate absorbent could, for example, be talc.

The powder matrix is drawn from the fluidized bed container and is applied to the upper exposed surface of the film layer to a uniform thickness of 150 microns. The powder matrix is atomized through a Nordson or similar static spray gun using compressed air. The powder matrix layer and film layer together comprise a medicant composition.

Ideally, the melting point of the lipid is close to temperature at which the film layer is dried. For example, the film layer (along with the powder matrix layer applied to the film layer) is typically dried at about 200 degrees F. The lipid preferably has a softening point or melting temperature of about 200 degrees F. so that the temperature at which the film layer is dried is the ideal softening point for the lipid. If the melting temperature of the lipid is too low in comparison to the temperature at which the film layer is dried, the lipid can melt and run off the film.

The medicant composition is cured using any desired heat treatment process. The presently preferred process comprises a first step during which the medicant composition is heated by a microwave or infrared transmitter. The time spent by the medicant composition under the transmitter varies depending on the amount of moisture to be removed, but typically is fifteen to twenty seconds. The microwave/infrared bombardment facilitates proper heating of the film layer by generating heat in the film layer. During the second step of the heat treatment process the medicant composition is heated to 200 degrees F. in a convection oven for a desired length of time to dry the medicant composition. The length of time the medicant composition is in the convection oven can vary but is typically presently about three to four minutes. During the foregoing heat treatment process, the lipid powder particles soften and flow to produce a smoother powder matrix layer on the film layer.

EXAMPLE XIII

A cat having a plaque condition is orally administered the film of Example XII once a day for three weeks. The administration is continued until a satisfactory clinical response is obtained. 

1. An edible film for oral administration to a pet, wherein said edible film comprises a flavoring composition that renders the edible film palatable to the pet.
 2. The edible film according to claim 1, wherein the flavoring composition is selected from the group consisting of catnip, poultry, chicken, turkey, onion, garlic, meat, animal products, chicken meat, chicken fat, beef hide, beef meat, beef fat, bacon, pork skin, pork meat, pork fat, dried meat floss, liver, an extract of smoked ham, an extract of chicken, an extract of beef, an extract of a meat by-product, an extract of ham hocks, an extract of shank ends, an extract of turkey, an extract of oxtail, phosphoric acid, fat and hexamic acid, fat and phosphoric acid, fat and citric acid, phosphoric acid and citric acid, tetrasodium pyrophosphate and a combination of these flavorings.
 3. The edible film according to claim 1, wherein the edible film comprises at least one water soluble polymer.
 4. The edible film according to claim 1, wherein the edible film further comprises an effective amount of at least one pharmaceutically active ingredient.
 5. The edible film according to claim 3, wherein said water soluble polymer is selected from the group consisting of pullulan, hydroxyproplymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, polyethylene glycol, tragacanth gum, guar gum, acacia gum, arabic gum, polyacrylic acid, methylmethacrylate copolymer, carboxyvinyl polymer, amylose, high amylose starch, hydroxypropylated high amylose starch, dextrin, pectin, chitin, chitosan, levan, elsinan, collagen, gelatin, zein, gluten, soy protein isolate, whey protein isolate, casein and mixtures thereof.
 6. The edible film according to claim 5, wherein said water soluble polymer is pullulan.
 7. The edible film of claim 6, comprising: about 40 to about 80 wt % pullulan; about 0.01 to about 30 wt % flavoring composition.
 8. The edible film according to claim 6, further comprising: about 0.01 to about 5 wt % of at least one stabilizing agent; about 0.001 to about 0.1 wt % of at least one of at least one coloring agent; about 0.1 to about 8 wt % of water; about 0.1 to about 15 wt % of at least one sweetening agent; about 0.1 to about 15 wt % of at least one flavoring composition; about 0.1 to about 4 wt % of at least one cooling agent; and about 0.1 to about 5 wt % of at least one surfactant.
 9. The edible film according to according to claim 8, wherein said at least one stabilizing agent is selected from the group consisting of xanthan gum, locust bean gum and carrageenan, and said at least one sweetening agent is selected from the group consisting of saccharin, aspartame and acesulfame K.
 10. The edible film according to claim 1, wherein said film does not substantially adhere to itself.
 11. The edible film according to claim 4, wherein the active ingredient comprises at least about 1.0 wt % of the film.
 12. The edible film according to claim 4, wherein the active ingredient comprises at least about 15 wt % of the film.
 13. The edible film according to claim 1, further comprising water in an amount from about 3 wt % to about 8 wt %.
 14. A method for preparing an edible film, said method comprising: mixing at least one water soluble film former and at least one stabilizing agent to provide a film-forming mixture; dissolving water-soluble ingredients in water to provide an aqueous solution; combining said film-forming mixture and said aqueous solution to provide a hydrated polymer gel; mixing flavoring compositions that renders the edible film palatable to a pet to form a flavoring mixture; adding said flavoring mixture to said hydrated polymer gel and mixing to provide a uniform gel; casting the uniform gel on a substrate; and drying the cast gel to provide said film.
 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein said flavoring compositions that renders the edible film palatable to a pet is selected from the group consisting of catnip, poultry, chicken, turkey, onion, garlic, meat, animal products, chicken meat, chicken fat, beef hide, beef meat, beef fat, bacon, pork skin, pork meat, pork fat, dried meat floss, liver, an extract of smoked ham, an extract of chicken, an extract of beef, an extract of a meat by-product, an extract of ham hocks, an extract of shank ends, an extract of turkey, an extract of oxtail, phosphoric acid, fat and hexamic acid, fat and phosphoric acid, fat and citric acid, phosphoric acid and citric acid, tetrasodium pyrophosphate and a combination of these flavorings.
 16. The method according to claim 14, wherein the total amount of said flavoring compositions in said flavoring mixture is at least about 5 wt % of the total weight of ingredients in said method.
 17. The method according to claim 14, wherein said total amount of flavoring compositions is at least about 15 wt %.
 18. The method according to claim 14, wherein said drying is conducted until said film has a moisture content of about 3 wt % to about 8 wt %.
 19. A non-self-adhering film produced according to the method of claim
 14. 20. The method according to claim 14, wherein the water soluble film former is selected from the group consisting of pullulan, hydroxyproplymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, polyethylene glycol, tragacanth gum, guar gum, acacia gum, arabic gum, polyacrylic acid, methylmethacrylate copolymer, carboxyvinyl polymer, amylose, high amylose starch, hydroxypropylated high amylose starch, dextrin, pectin, chitin, chitosan, levan, elsinan, collagen, gelatin, zein, gluten, soy protein isolate, whey protein isolate, casein and mixtures thereof.
 21. The method according to claim 14, wherein said water soluble polymer is pullulan.
 22. A single layer edible film adapted to dissolve in the mouth of a pet, wherein said film comprises at least one pharmaceutically active ingredient and at least one flavoring composition that renders the film palatable to a pet.
 23. The edible film according to claim 22, wherein said pharmaceutical active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of analgesics, antiallergic, antiarrhythmic, antibiotic agents, antidiabetic, antiepileptic, antimicrobial agents, antidiarrheal, antihistamines, antiparasitics, antispasmodic agent, antitussives, antitussive expectorant, antitumor agent, awakening agent, cardiotonic, central nervous system agents, chemotherapeutic, decongestants, diuretic, expectorants, H2-antagonists, hypnotic, hypotensive, narcotic, neuromuscular blocking agent, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, proton pump inhibitors, pyschoneurotropic agent, sedative, sexual hormone, thyroid hormone, vasopressor, amino acids, vitamins and mixtures thereof.
 24. The edible film according to claim 23, wherein the antibiotic agent is selected from the group consisting of amikacin sulfate, betamethasone, clindamycin hydrochloride, clotrimazole, gentamicin, kanamycin, oxytetracycline, penicillin, tetracycline hydrochloride and mixtures thereof.
 25. The edible film according to claim 23, wherein the antiparasitic is an avermectin.
 26. The edible film according to claim 25, wherein the antiprasitic is ivermectin.
 27. The edible film according to claim 23, wherein the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent is selected from the group consisting of aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, diflunisal, fenoprofen calcium, naproxen, tolmetin sodium, indomethacin, and mixtures thereof.
 28. The edible film according to claim 23, wherein the anti-tussive is selected from the group consisting of benzonatate, caramiphen edisylate, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, chlophedianol hydrochloride and mixtures thereof.
 29. The edible film according to claim 23, wherein the decongestant is selected from the group consisting of pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, phenylepherine, phenylpropanolamine and mixtures thereof.
 30. The edible film according to claim 23, wherein the anti-histamine is selected from the group consisting of brompheniramine maleate, chlorpheniramine maleate, carbinoxamine maleate, clemastine fumarate, dexchlorpheniramine maleate, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, diphenhydramine citrate, diphenylpyraline hydrochloride, doxylamine succinate, promethazine hydrochloride, pyrilamine maleate, tripelennamine citrate, triprolidine hydrochloride and mixtures thereof.
 31. The edible film according to claim 23, wherein the expectorant is selected from the group consisting of guaifenesin, ipecac, potassium iodide, terpin hydrate and mixtures thereof.
 32. The edible film according to claim 23, wherein the anti-diarrheal is loperamide.
 33. The edible film according to claim 23, wherein the H2-antagonist is selected from the group consisting of famotidine, ranitidine and mixtures thereof.
 34. The edible film according to claim 23, wherein the proton pump inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of omeprazole, lansoprazole, and mixtures thereof.
 35. The edible film according to claim 22, wherein said pharmaceutical agent is selected from the group consisting of enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, danofloxacin mesylate, kitasamycin tartrate, roxithromycin, diclazuril, ractopamine hcl, pefloxacin mesylate and sarafloxacin hcl.
 36. The edible film according to claim 22, wherein the amount of pharmaceutically active composition in the film is from about 0.1 wt % to about 30 wt
 37. A method for administering an effective amount of a pharmaceutically active composition to a pet comprising introducing a rapidly dissolving film in the oral cavity of the pet, wherein the film comprises an effective amount of a pharmaceutically active composition and a flavoring composition that renders the film palatable to a pet.
 38. The method according to claim 37, wherein the film comprises pullulan.
 39. The method according to claim 37, wherein the amount of pharmaceutically active composition in the film is from about 5 wt % to about 30 wt %.
 40. An edible film composition for delivering an effective amount of a pharmaceutically active compound to the oral cavity of a pet, the film composition comprising a homogeneous mixture of (1) a water soluble, low viscosity hydroxyalkylmethyl cellulose (2) water dispersible pregelatized starch, and (3) a flavoring composition that renders the edible film palatable to a pet, wherein the film is rapidly dissolvable in the oral cavity of said pet.
 41. The edible film according to claim 40, wherein the flavoring composition is selected from the group consisting of catnip, poultry, chicken, turkey, onion, garlic, meat, animal products, chicken meat, chicken fat, beef hide, beef meat, beef fat, bacon, pork skin, pork meat, pork fat, dried meat floss, liver, an extract of smoked ham, an extract of chicken, an extract of beef, an extract of a meat by-product, an extract of ham hocks, an extract of shank ends, an extract of turkey, extract of chicken backs, an extract of oxtail, phosphoric acid, fat and hexamic acid, fat and phosphoric acid, fat and citric acid, phosphoric acid and citric acid, tetrasodium pyrophosphate and a combination of these flavorings.
 42. The edible film according to claim 40, wherein the edible film further comprises at least one pharmaceutically active ingredient.
 43. The film composition of claim 40 wherein the hydroxyalkyl methyl cellulose is hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose.
 44. The film composition of claim 40 wherein the hydroxyalkyl methyl cellulose is present at a concentration of about 10 to about 60% by weight.
 45. The film composition of claim 40 wherein the starch is present in the film in an amount ranging from about 5 to about 50% by weight.
 46. A method for delivering an effective amount of a pharmaceutically active compound to the oral cavity of a pet which comprises preparing an edible film composition which is rapidly dissolvable in the oral cavity of the pet, the film being comprised of (1) a homogeneous mixture of a water soluble, low viscosity hydroxyalkylmethyl cellulose (2) a water dispersible starch, (3) a pharmaceutically active ingredient and (4) a flavoring composition that renders the edible film palatable to a pet.
 47. The method of claim 46 wherein the hydroxyalkyl methyl cellulose is hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose.
 48. The method of claim 46 wherein the hydroxyalkyl methyl cellulose is present at a concentration of about 10 to about 60% by weight.
 49. The method of claim 46 wherein the starch is present in the film in an amount ranging from about 5 to about 50% by weight.
 50. The method of claim 46 wherein the pharmaceutically active ingredient is present in the film in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 30% by weight.
 51. The method of claim 46 wherein the flavoring composition is present in the film in an amount ranging from about 0.1 to about 30% by weight.
 52. A monolayer film formed from a mucoadhesive composition which comprises at least one water-soluble polymer; at least one member selected from the group consisting of a polyalcohol, a surfactant and a plasticizer; at least one pharmaceutically ingredient; and a flavoring composition that renders the film palatable to a pet said film being one which rapidly softens and completely disintegrates in the oral environment and having a dry film thickness which is suitable for application into said pet's mouth.
 53. A monolayer film according to claim 52 wherein the concentration of water-soluble polymer is between 20 and 75% (w/w), the concentration of surfactant is between 0.1 and 5% (w/w), the concentration of polyalcohol is between 0.1 and 5% (w/w) and the amount of pharmaceutically active ingredient is between 0.01 and 20% (w/w).
 54. A monolayer film according to claim 52, wherein the water-soluble polymer is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carboxymethyl cellulose polyvinyl alcohol sodium alginate, polyethylene glycol, xanthane gum, tragacantha guar gum, acacia gym, arabic gum, polyacrylic acid, methylmethacrylate copolymer carboxyvinyl polymer and copolymers and mixtures thereof.
 55. A composition according to claim 52, wherein the polyalcohol is selected from the group consisting of glycerol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and glycerol monoesters with fatty acids.
 56. A monolayer film according to claim 52 containing a polyalcohol and at least one surfactant.
 57. A monolayer film according to claim 52, wherein the surfactant is a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, a alpha.-hydroxy-omega-hydroxypoly-(oxyethylene)poly(oxypropylene)poly(oxy propylene) block copolylmer, a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether or a polyoxyethylene castor oil derivative or a mixture thereof.
 58. A monolayer film according to claim 52, comprising sorbitol and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone together with water-soluble cellulose-derivative polymer.
 59. A monolayer film according to claim 52, wherein the pharmaceutically active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of analgesics, antiallergic, antiarrhythmic, antibiotic agents, antidiabetic, antiepileptic, antimicrobial agents, antidiarrheal, antihistamines, antiparasitics, antispasmodic agent, antitussives, antitussive expectorant, antitumor agent, awakening agent, cardiotonic, central nervous system agents, chemotherapeutic, decongestants, diuretic, expectorants, H2-antagonists, hypnotic, hypotensive, narcotic, neuromuscular blocking agent, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, proton pump inhibitors, pyschoneurotropic agent, sedative, sexual hormone, thyroid hormone, vasopressor, amino acids, vitamins and mixtures thereof.
 60. A monolayer film according to claim 52 in a shape suitable for application into the mouth.
 61. A composition applicable to the oral cavity comprising at least one water-soluble polymer, at least one polyalcohol, a pharmaceutically active ingredient and a flavoring composition that renders the film palatable to a pet, wherein the composition has mucoadhesive properties.
 62. The composition according to claim 61, wherein the water-soluble polymer is hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, carboxymethyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium alginate, polyethylene glycol, xanthane gum, tragacantha, guar gum, acacia gum, arabic gum, polyacrylic acid, methylmethacrylate copolymer, carboxyvinyl copolymers, or mixtures thereof.
 63. The composition according to claim 61, wherein the concentration of the water-soluble polymer in the dry film is between 20 and 75%.
 64. The composition according to claim 61, further comprising one or more plasticizers or surfactants.
 65. The composition according to claim 64, wherein the surfactant comprises a polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester or a .alpha.-hydro-.omega.-hydroxypoly(oxyethylene)poly(oxypropylene)poly(oxyethylene) block copolymer.
 66. The composition according to claim 64, wherein the surfactant comprises a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether or a polyoxyethylene castor oil derivative.
 67. The composition according to claim 61, wherein the polyalcohol is selected from glycerol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or glycerol monoesters with fatty acids.
 68. The composition according to claim 61, wherein the pharmaceutically active ingredient is selected from the group of analgesics, antiallergic, antiarrhythmic, antibiotic agents, antidiabetic, antiepileptic, antimicrobial agents, antidiarrheal, antihistamines, antiparasitics, antispasmodic agent, antitussives, antitussive expectorant, antitumor agent, awakening agent, cardiotonic, central nervous system agents, chemotherapeutic, decongestants, diuretic, expectorants, H2-antagonists, hypnotic, hypotensive, narcotic, neuromuscular blocking agent, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, proton pump inhibitors, pyschoneurotropic agent, sedative, sexual hormone, thyroid hormone, vasopressor, amino acids, vitamins and mixtures thereof.
 69. A method for the release of a pharmaceutically active agent into the oral cavity of a pet, comprising a) applying a mucoadhesive film which comprises a pharmaceutically active ingredient, into the oral cavity of the pet, b) allowing said mucoadhesive film to dissolve within the oral cavity of the pet, and c) releasing said pharmaceutically or cosmetically active agent into the oral cavity of the pet.
 70. The method of claim 69, wherein the mucoadhesive film is formed from a mucoadhesive composition comprising at least one polymer.
 71. The method claim 70, wherein the polymer used in the mucoadhesive composition is a hydrophilic and/or water-dispersible and/or water-soluble polymer.
 72. The method of claim 70, wherein the mucoadhesive composition further comprises at least one polyalcohol.
 73. The method of claim 70, wherein the mucoadhesive composition further comprises at least one plasticizer.
 74. The method of claim 70, wherein the mucoadhesive composition further comprises at least one surfactant.
 75. The method of claim 69, wherein the pharmaceutically active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of analgesics, antiallergic, antiarrhythmic, antibiotic agents, antidiabetic, antiepileptic, antimicrobial agents, antidiarrheal, antihistamines, antiparasitics, antispasmodic agent, antitussives, antitussive expectorant, antitumor agent, awakening agent, cardiotonic, central nervous system agents, chemotherapeutic, decongestants, diuretic, expectorants, H2-antagonists, hypnotic, hypotensive, narcotic, neuromuscular blocking agent, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, proton pump inhibitors, pyschoneurotropic agent, sedative, sexual hormone, thyroid hormone, vasopressor, amino acids, vitamins and mixtures thereof.
 76. The method of claim 69, wherein the amount of the pharmaceutically active ingredient in the mucoadhesive film is at least 0.01% (w/w).
 77. A method for the rapid release of a pharmaceutically active agent to a non-human animal, comprising a) applying a mucoadhesive film which comprises at least one pharmaceutically active ingredient, into the oral cavity of said non-human animal, b) allowing said mucoadhesive film to dissolve within the oral cavity of said non-human animal, and c) releasing said pharmaceutically active agent to the non-human animal via the mucous membrane.
 78. The method of claim 77, wherein the pharmaceutically active ingredient is selected from the group consisting of analgesics, antiallergic, antiarrhythmic, antibiotic agents, antidiabetic, antiepileptic, antimicrobial agents, antidiarrheal, antihistamines, antiparasitics, antispasmodic agent, antitussives, antitussive expectorant, antitumor agent, awakening agent, cardiotonic, central nervous system agents, chemotherapeutic, decongestants, diuretic, expectorants, H2-antagonists, hypnotic, hypotensive, narcotic, neuromuscular blocking agent, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, proton pump inhibitors, pyschoneurotropic agent, sedative, sexual hormone, thyroid hormone, vasopressor, amino acids, vitamins and mixtures thereof.
 79. The method of claim 77, wherein the amount of the pharmaceutically active ingredient in the mucoadhesive film is at least 0.01% (w/w).
 80. A process of producing an edible film of claim 1 comprising: (a) soaking a dispersed hydrocolloid containing material in water until the hydrocolloid is hydrated; (b) stirring the hydrated hydrocolloid until a homogenous particulate containing sol is obtained; (c) removing insoluble particulates from the particulate containing sol to produce a clarified sol; (d) removing remaining particulates in the clarified sol by filtration and recovering clarified hydrocolloid from the filtrate, and drying and grinding the filtrate to a powder, and as required, dissolving the powder in water to form a sol; (e) adding an appropriate amount of glycerol or other humectant/plasticizer to the clarified hydrocolloid sol to form a mixture; (f) heating the mixture to boiling; (g) adding a flavoring composition that renders the edible film palatable to the pet; (h) depositing the mixture as a layer on a substrate and drying the layer to form a film.
 81. A process as claimed in claim 80 wherein the hydrocolloid is selected from one or more of the group consisting of: konjac glucomannan, guar gum, locust bean gum, aloe mannan, agar, agarose, algins, beta-, kappa-, lambda-, iota-carrageenans, chitosan, collagen, curdlan and other beta-1,3-glucans, fig seed gum (galacturonan), gellan, hyaluronic acid, pectins, Rhizobium gum, Porphyridium cruentum polysaccharide, starch (amylose, amylopectin), acacia gum, gum arabic, chondroitin sulfates, dextrans, flaxseed gum, gum ghatti, inulin (fructan), karaya gum, larch arabinogalactan, levan (fructosan), cassia gum, tara gum, fenugreek gum, oat glucans, okra mucilage, psyllium seed gum, pullulan, quince seed gum, rhamsan, scleroglucan, succinoglucan, tamarind gum, gum tragacanth, wellan, and xanthan gum.
 82. A process as claimed in claim 80 wherein the hydrocolloid is konjac glucomannan and a water-insoluble konjac glucomannan film is obtained by adding an appropriate amount of an alkaline agent to the clarified konjac glucomannan hydrocolloid sol and glycerin mixture.
 83. A process as claimed in claim 80 wherein the hydrocolloid is konjac glucomannan, aloe mannan or galactomannan and a hot water soluble film is obtained by adding xanthan to the clarified hydrocolloid sol and glycerin mixture.
 84. A process as claimed in claim 80 wherein a rigid film is obtained by omitting the glycerine or other plasticizer.
 85. A process as claimed in claim 80 wherein a water-imbibing, amorphous gel-forming film is obtained by adding borax to the clarified hydrocolloid and glycerin mixture.
 86. A film produced according to the process of claim
 80. 87. A medicant composition comprising (a) a film layer including a top outer surface and a bottom outer surface; (b) a powder matrix coating on at least one of said outer surfaces of said film layer comprising at least one medicant; (c) a flavoring composition that renders the film palatable to a pet.
 88. A method of administering a medicant to a pet, comprising the steps of (a) preparing a film layer; (b) preparing a powder matrix including a medicant; (c) applying the powder matrix to the film layer to form a medicant composition including the film layer and powder matrix; and, (d) applying the medicant composition to a mucous membrane of the pet with the powder matrix contacting the mucous membrane.
 89. A method for administering a medicant to an pet to slow the release of the medicant, comprising the steps of (a) preparing a film layer; (b) preparing a powder matrix including a medicant and a gel forming composition; (c) applying the powder matrix to the film layer to form a medicant composition including the film layer and powder matrix; and, (d) apply the medicant composition to a mucous membrane of the pet with the powder matrix contacting the mucous membrane.
 90. A cured animal medicant composition including (a) a film layer including a top outer surface and a bottom outer surface; and, (b) a heat treated powder matrix coating on at least one of said outer surfaces of said film layer comprising at least one animal medicant.
 91. An edible film for oral administration to a pet, wherein said edible film comprises an effective amount of at least one pet pharmaceutically active ingredient.
 92. The edible film according to claim 91, wherein the edible film comprises at least one water soluble polymer.
 93. The edible film according to claim 91, wherein the edible film further comprises a flavoring composition that renders the edible film palatable to the pet.
 94. The edible film according to claim 93, wherein the flavoring composition is selected from the group consisting of catnip, poultry, chicken, turkey, onion, garlic, meat, animal products, chicken meat, chicken fat, beef hide, beef meat, beef fat, bacon, pork skin, pork meat, pork fat, dried meat floss, liver, an extract of smoked ham, an extract of chicken, an extract of beef, an extract of a meat by-product, an extract of ham hocks, an extract of shank ends, an extract of turkey, an extract of oxtail, phosphoric acid, fat and hexamic acid, fat and phosphoric acid, fat and citric acid, phosphoric acid and citric acid, tetrasodium pyrophosphate and a combination of these flavorings. 